4041 Tulane Ave.

District: Mid-City - Partial Control

Owner: C Dematteo LLC

HDLC Staff: Krista J. Guzzo

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Ovella Enterprises, LLC

Permit #: 23-20305-HDLC

HDLC Guidelines: 

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition states that the demolition of all or portions of historic resources within a local Historic District or Landmark site are considered drastic actions, since they alter the character of the area. Once historic resources or buildings that contribute to the heritage of the community are destroyed, it is generally impossible to reproduce their design, texture, materials, details and their special character and interest in the neighborhood. When reviewing demolition applications at properties located within a Historic District or at a Landmark site, the HDLC uses the following criteria in its evaluations:

• The historic or architectural significance of the building or structure as designated by its “rating”: Non-Contributing.

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  This concrete commercial building, constructed between 1940 and 1950,  does have an interesting mid-century storefront that was likely added in later years; however, the building's condition and common industrial concrete construction render it Non-Contributing to the district. 

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None are known at this time.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail:  It is unlikely that a similar storefront would be created in this particular style, however the rectangular concrete construction is common.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The mid-century storefront adds interest to the otherwise drab commercial block; however, the building's blighted condition does not contribute positively toward the streetscape.

• The condition of the building or structure: Fair

Staff Recommendations: An exterior visual inspection was conducted by the HDLC inspector on 8/30/23, and the building was found to be in fair condition.  Although the building could most likely be rehabilitated, and although its mid-century façade is stylistically interesting, graffiti, vegetation growth, and organic staining obscure its aesthetic value within the streetscape. Due to the building's blighted condition and its Non-Contributing rating, Staff has no objection to the demolition request.

• Recommendation:  No objection to demolition.